Characteristics of Enzyme Catalysis
High efficiency One molecule of an enzyme may transform one million molecule of reactant per minute.
Highly specific nature Each enzyme catalyst cannot catalyse more than one reaction.
Optimum temperature Enzyme catalyst gives higher yield at optimum temperature i. e., at 298-310 K. Human body temperature, i. e., at being 310 K is suited for enzyme catalysed reactions.
Optimum pH The rate of an enzyme catalysed reaction is maximum at optimum pH range 5 to 7.
Activators Activators like ions such as Na +, Ca 2 +, Mn 2 + help in the activation of enzymes which cannot act on their own strength.
Co-enzyme Co-enzymes are the substance having nature similar to the enzyme and their presence increases the enzyme activity. Mostly vitamins act as co-enzymes.
Effect of Inhibitors Inhibitors slow down the rate of enzymatic reaction. The use of many drugs is based on enzyme inhibition action of those drugs in the body.